Another redeeming value of cigars

If anyone doubts the redeeming value of cigars…this story, recently told to me, should eliminate all doubts. I am not going to use the names of the individuals or the cigar shop where the principals are customers.

It’s the story of a father, a cigar smoker, and customer of the shop, who wasn’t smoking as much as he used to, and his high school senior son, that started to smoke and to habituate the same shop. It was at a point in time when father and son were somewhat estranged.

When the son began to smoke, the father would stop by the shop, select a couple of cigars for himself and leave a cigar, he selected, to be given to his son when the son came by the shop.

Soon, father and son were smoking together at the tobacconist and often seen to be engaged in serious father/son conversation. 

As time progressed, father and son would walk home together and continue their conversation on the front porch of their home, often joined by others from the tobacconist. 

The wife and mother, who didn’t much care for cigar smoking, encouraged the practice and often put out snacks for the assembled smokers. When asked why she facilitated an activity she was not much in favour of, she responded, indicating how grateful she was that the mutual love of cigars had brought her husband and son together again.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t need another reason to have respect and affection for the genteel art of cigar smoking.

Visions of the new Quesada Tributo danced in my head when I received the invite to have Happy Hour at Aromas of Havana (14781 Biscayne Boulevard, North Miami Beach, FL 33181 – 305.940.0988 – www.aromasofhavanacigarlounge.com) with Manolo Quesada!

My real friend, rather than a Facebook friend, Luis Quintero and I literally raced over there on the appointed evening. Alas, no Tributos, but, a pleasant couple of hours with Manolo, TJ Reilly and Smokin’ Pete Hernandez, Joel Solitero, from Olde Punta Gorda Cigars (209 Wood Street, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 – 941.637.1977 – www.oldepuntagordacigar.com); as well as some Aromas regulars. We happily smoked Casa Magna Maduros, those exquisite, almost black cigars with the striking silver band.

Pete was showing us the lines of Lotus and Vertigo lighters, which he represents in Florida. Manolo and Luis settled in to some serious conversation; I had introduced them a few years ago at a, now almost defunct, Miami cigar shop.

There was a very attractive young lady - they’re always very attractive, regardless of the brand - dispensing The Glenlivet. While I no longer drink scotch, I still appreciate the aroma.

Now that there are direct flights to Pensacola, from Miami…I was happy to board a flight for a visit to Robbie Morton and his Cordova Cigars in P’cola. I have not been there as often as would have liked, but I am hoping to do it more often with these new flights.

In any event, I spent a terrific four days visiting with Robbie, his father, Tom, Stef, John, as well as chatting and playing dominos with a whole bunch of Cordova customers that I have known for a few years. While their domino game has improved; they still adhere to a bunch of strange ‘Cordova rules’.

Certainly, one of the high points of any visit to Pensacola has to be a meal at Jerry’s Cajun Café (4205 North 9^th Avenue – 850.484.6962 – www.jerryscajuncafe.com), so, imagine how I felt constantly having meals there. Jerry is a great friend and runs a great restaurant with fabulous food. One day, I expect to see a Jerry’s Cajun Café in major cities throughout the U.S.

But, I digress…I arrived well in time for an Oliva (Master Blends, Serie V, Serie O, Serie G, et al) event at Cordova, and as usual at events, the clientele turned out en masse, and in a buying mood. Of course, that’s not difficult; Oliva has produced some of the highest rated cigars in the past several years, and just to look at an Oliva is to behold a work of art.

Jose Oliva was there for the event, and it was the first time I have seen him ‘work an event’. It was interesting…Jose was, well, just Jose. The same relaxed, courteous, intelligent young man that you encounter in a social situation is what you encounter when he does an event. No wonder he is in such demand, constantly traveling all over the country promoting the Oliva brand.

While it wasn’t for the event that I traveled to the far reaches of Lower Alabama; it was an added pleasure to see Jose, who I don’t get to see all that often in Miami, and to meet Allan Buelvas, the Oliva Account Executive for that part of the country.

The event ended at about 10:30 PM and around 11, Robbie said, “Are you coming with us?” I quickly replied, “I’ll come for the ride,” and entered the cavernous Lincoln Navigator limo…extended to the length of a railroad car. We were a dozen, it turned out, and they were all eager to eat and drink!

Without going into detail, I tell you, the visit to McGuire’s (600 East Gregory Street – 850.433.6789 – www.mcguirsirishpub.com), a P’cola Landmark, proved to be an unsual midnight snack.

After feasting on an array of fabulous food from Jerry’s Cajun Café, these Oliva fans tucked into sirloins, filet mignons and a bizarre pile of nachos, with a gusto hard to imagine at 11:30 PM! But, to each his own. I enjoyed an Arnold Palmer and some Root Beer while I dismantled an unusually huge Patty Melt to make it a light snack. The conversation was enjoyable and we passed a couple of hours before returning to Cordova, whence everyone departed.

Everyone, that is, except the ‘hardcore’ night people…Jerry Mistretta, Tom Morton, Robbie Morton and myself. I think it was three in the morning when Robbie dropped me at my hotel.

Friday, it was back to Cordova; conversation, cigars and dominos until Tom, Robbie and I departed for Destin (about an hour and ten minutes south) for a visit to Harbor Cigars (4424 Commons Drive E, Unit 2C – 850.650.3111 – www.harborcigars.com)  and our friends Melissa and Marvin. Marvin Holthouser, a former policeman, and more, from Louisville, KY, has created a true cigar oasis, ably assisted by Carlos and Steve and a vast array of the very finest cigars. Jose Oliva had been there Wednesday evening, where Harbor customers turned out in droves.

We returned to Pensacola late enough to have rush our orders in to the kitchen at Jerry’s, while the four of us (now Jerry had joined Tom, Robbie and me) discussed the events of the day.

Saturday was more of the same; cigars, conversation and dominos. The day passed pleasantly and ended in the wee hours, when Robbie locked up and dropped me at the hotel.

Having had three marvelous days at Cordova and being able to get to see Melissa and Marvin, and the guys at Harbor Cigars, I was perfectly satisfied when I left my hotel for the three minute drive to the airport on Sunday.

Israel Makevitz, Michelle’s right hand man at Uptown Cigar in Kington, New York, surprised his Mother with a Mother’s Day visit, and then some. He finally had time for me on the Wednesday after Mother’s Day. The visit was shorter than we intended, as it was the day of Israel’s return to Kingston, and he had an important appointment with his Mother at 2:00 PM. Nonetheless, we had a few laughs and a nice visit to Cuban Crafters where he saw Kiki Berger and met Al and Michael Argenti as well as several other people.

I know he’s going to return soon, because we have tobacconists to visit, and cigars to smoke!

It wasn’t a Cigar Safari that took me to Estelí; it was just to hang out with Jon Drew, Steve Saka and Marvin Samel. Jon Drew had extended the invitation a long time ago, and we were finally able to find dates that accommodated both our schedules. So, on Wednesday, 19 May, we all flew to Managua.

First, let me say, that Drew Estate’s Cigar Safari may be the best way to visit a cigar factory! The accommodations at La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate are the best in Estelí. As for the meals, there is absolutely nothing in that town to equal the food at Drew Estate. Believe me; I have had meals all over that town. Some passable; some horrible. Passable is about as good as food gets in Estelí, while at Drew Estate – terrific would be my description of the food, drink and hospitality.

But, as I said, I was there for the conversation and it was great to catch up with, and have extensive conversation with all three of them. Marvin and I had not had extended conversation since New Year’s eve, two years ago at Erik Espinosa’s (the Drew rep in Florida, and partner with Eddie Ortega in EO Brands)home. Likewise, Saka and I had talked briefly on different occasions, but, always in passing. So, the days were filled with good conversation – when the three principals of Drew Estate weren’t conducting meetings and attending to business.

During my stay, Pedro Gomez, who serves as host and guide for Safari guests took excellent care of me. When Jon was in meetings, Henry “Kiki” Berger was usually at Drew Estate, although he was very busy seeing to the organization of his new factory

Kiki and Jon are old friends, having weathered their early days in Esteli together and our time together was peppered with hysterical stories of their difficulties in their respective endeavours and their sexual adventures during that period. It is amazing that while struggling to build their cigar factories, and businesses, during the days of the cigar boom – these guys got laid sooooo much.

Ruben Ysidron, of Savinelli, introduced me to Henry eons ago, and we have been friends ever since. I knew Henry would be in town when I was there and I looked forward to seeing his factory and tobacco fields, albeit, without tobacco at this time of the year.

So it was that while the Drew Estate triumverate were in meetings, Kiki and I visited his facilities and had a lot of laughs on our own.

Jon, on multiple occasions, suggested I visit the factory and let Nicholas, the Factory Manager, show me around. I had been there only a couple of months earlier, so I demurred. What I wanted to do, and did, in the company of Jessy Flores, the famously rotund Director of the Subculture Design Studio at Drew Estate, was visit the Studio.

I spent a few hours seeing all that they did there and talking with Jessy, Dogg and Thief – all renowned Central American Graffitti Artists. I learned more about graffitti than I imagined there was to learn; and watched with admiration the working going on there.

I really abhor the expression, “hanging out,” much as I abhor a great deal of contemporary vernacular, but that’s what I did for five days – hang out at Drew Estate. And, imagine, no dominos; no Cubans! Well, with the exception of Kiki – but he’s different from most Cubans.

Steve Saka and Marvin Samel left on the 7:00 AM flight from Managua on Saturday. None of us saw them depart at 4:00 AM for the drive down the Pan American Highway to Managua.

Wait till you see that ‘highway.’

As I was to leave Sunday at 1:00 PM, Jonathan decided that we should spend the night in Managua, and have dinner at a restaurant he declared to be “five stars.” You can imagine how dubious I was. Around 6, Kiki, Jon, Jessy and I drove to Managua and checked into the Barceló Hotel – a recently built four star (in my estimation) hotel.

After checking into the hotel and freshening up, we met in the lobby and proceeded to San Juan de la Selva (Km 6 Carretera a Masaya, Managua, Nicaragua – 505.2277.3055 – www.ViaNica.com/SanJuandelaSelva)…an exquisite restaurant, if you ignore the caged ocelots at the entrance!

We were all but alone in the restaurant at 10:45 PM, but the staff knew Jon well and seated us instantly.

Jon did the ordering and we enjoyed a superb ‘tasting menu’ style dinner consisting of an array of small orders of a large variety of excellent dishes.

They also brought us a bottle of wine they stock because of Jon – Chateau San Michelle Cabernet, a superb wine from a superb winery in Washington State.

The meal was relaxed, enjoyable and filled with conversation ranging from cigars to politics and more of the sexual exploits of Drew and Berger.

We repaired to the hotel and a well needed rest.

Sunday morning, after breakfast at the hotel; the guys dropped me at Managua Int’l Airport for my return to Miami – sated and delighted by the visit.

I am certain to return and already have plans to do so, in the company of my good friends les De Asis, Luis Quintero and Bernie Schaked. I plan to book on a Cigar Safari in early November. While Les has visited several factories in Santiago, Dominican Republic, this past February, neither Luis nor Bernie has ever seen a cigar factory or tobacco field!

It is hard to imagine all of that for $650.00 per person.

I’m pleased to see my friend Abe Flores’ Pinar del Rio cigars gaining traction in the marketplace. Abe knows tobacco and cigar making, and has devoted himself to perfecting the brand. If you haven’t smoked a Pinar, you should try one. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. He has a few blends – I have smoked them all – and they appeal to every palate.

I’ve developed a particular fondness for the blue label, Oscuro – the Liga Cubana #2.

NYS Tobacconists Association originally instigated by Ron Melendi of De La Concha, Michael Herklots of Davidoff of Geneva, Vinny Nastri of Barclay Rex has gained many, many members as retail tobacconists throughout the state realize that they must take a stand against the odious and onerous taxes and regulations the Governor, and the likes of Mayor Bloomberg and his Health Department, seek to impose on our freedom to ejoy ourselves.

I am writing this on Memorial Day, and it brings to mind the fact that millions of Americans did not die in wars to protect the right to limit our freedom!

From what I am hearing from smokers and tobacconists all over the country, My Father Cigar’s new La Reloba is going to be another ‘out of the park’ home run for the Garcia family. A few bloggers have already gotten them and have reviewed them very favourably.

These beautiful smokes, with your choice of a Sumatra or Habano cappa are priced just as beautifully as they are made – in the $5.00 range.

This and that…The Hernandez Brothers (Steven and Smoking Pete) are representing Lotus Lighters and Graycliff Cigars, again, in Florida. These two companies tried other reps in the Sunshine State and found the sun didn’t shine. Now they are back with two of the most effective reps in the state. The numbers should bear that out. 

I don’t know how to check the court filings, online, in Miami-Dade County, but, my best information is that Ernie Padilla and his weathly Venezuaelan investors, who have been butting heads for awhile, are headed for court. Proving once again, that making and marketing cigars is not for the hobbyist or dilettante…it requires hard work on focus. It is a full time occupation.

I doubt that we’ll be seeing Avalon Cigars at the IPCPR in New Orleans this summer. They know why; IPCPR knows why; and I know why. I must be going soft…I’m not telling you why. Will they be missed? Toss a coin!

The presence of cigars – in the person of smokers, bloggers, retailers and manufacturers – on Facebook has fascinated me for some time. Of particular interest are the suck-ups; guys looking for free cigars; to be part of something; and to have thousands of friends (a preposterous concept if ever there was one). This one phuckwit sends friend requests to all the friends of people he is friends with! I know that’s convoluted, but this is just some wally trying to amass the 5,000 friend limit Facebook has set.

It turns out my own assessment of him was quite accurate, as he has been asked not to return to several cigar shops in his area.

I wonder if his employers are aware of the time he spends on Facebook during the hours he is supposed to be working for them.

"A fine cigar is just like a woman. If you don't light it up just right and suck on it with a certain frequency, it will go out on you."

Anonymous

  

Drew Estate visit - 19 thru 23 May 2010 - GJA & Henry Berger.

 

 Drew Estate visit - 19 thru 23 May 2010 - Jessy Flores in the Studio.

 Drew Estate visit - 19 thru 23 May 2010 - At work on a Liga sign.

 

 Drew Estate visit - 19 thru 23 May 2010 - Henry Berger & Jon Drew.

 Drew Estate visit - 19 thru 23 May 2010 - An exquisite Liga.

 

 Drew Estate visit - 19 thru 23 May 2010 - A view from Drew Estate.

Drew Estate visit - 19 thru 23 May 2010 - A view from Drew Estate.

 

 Drew Estate visit - 19 thru 23 May 2010 - Marvin Samel of Drew Estate & GJA.

Robbie Morton of Cordova Cigars, GJA, Marvin & Melissa of Habor Cigars and Tom Morton - at Harbor Cigars in Destin.